This is a subtle, many layered poem with nuances that may be contradictory and therefore wide open to multiple interpretations. The dream like (surreal) mood is created by a pensive, reflective musing tone, at times morbid or melancholic. Written in post-modern style with multiple allusions and disparate images, it communicates in lateral thinking rather than logical sequential processes. The free verse with few euphonic or melodious words evokes sombre responses. The intimate conversational voice of the persona seductively engages the responder inclusively with involvement and identification .

II Subject Matter

The poet (persona) is embarking on an imaginary or inner journey and compares it to that of an explorer broaching new undiscovered, unchartered and unmapped territory. (A Heart of Darkness) It is the inner mind, minus its public face or mask interiorising, re-evaluating, analysing the purpose and direction of life

While the similarities of a voyage of discovery are more tangible and concrete, the differences suggest intangible or metaphysical aspects of the interior life.

III Themes

The inner life is complex and if delved into too deeply can be confronting, demoralising and depressing, leading to madness, even self harm.

Life can be absurd, meaningless, directionless, even futile.

Sensory perceptions and rational thought processes are not always reliable to gain true self-insight rather a holistic emotional and lateral thinking are needed.

Language can be inadequate or an obstacle to express the depth of our feelings.

Clearly two stanzas, one of similarities juxtaposed with the differences between a physical Journey and an introspective one. There is an element of Déjà vu in the “a fallen log I’m sure I passed yesterday”.

Images : Hills - deceptive - an optical illusion – mirage?

Swamps, poor country - suggestion of a deprived upbringing?

Cliff – deceptively smooth from a distance.

Squares (of maps) circles – globes – “walking in circles”

Tangle of branches, brambles, sodden log, all nuisance – impediments

Light and dark - bi-polar experiences of life.

Maps, charts, compasses - No reliable answers in dogma or formulae

Shoe among brambles under chair – careless or neglect?

Lucent white mushrooms - trance- hallucinatory?

Paring knife - dual function of: sustenance or death – affirmation or denial of life.